This summer, Walpole High School students have attended many concerts in the Boston area. The Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, and TD Garden in Boston host many of this year’s summer concerts. Below, students share their concert experiences from past events, along with their hopes for upcoming shows.
Kiss 108’s Kiss Concert 2019
Every year, the radio station Kiss 108 hosts Kiss Concert—a concert with a variety of pop artists. On June 16, at the Xfinity Center, the concert featured the Jonas Brothers, Why Don’t We, Ellie Goulding, Lil Jon, Bebe Rexha, CNCO, Ava Max, Bryce Vine, Fletcher, Ally Brooke, and Elle Winter. Many members of the Kiss 108 staff attended the event and gave away meet and greets to fans and listeners.
Photo/ Kiss108.iheart.com.
“My favorite part of the concert was definitely meeting the Jonas Brothers! It was so cool to be able to meet them because we won meet and greet passes from Mikey V from Kiss 108,” senior Chloe Patel said. “I got to see so many other artists like Bebe Rexha and Lil Jon, and I discovered new music too.”
Florida Georgia Line
The Xfinity Center hosted Florida Georgia Line on July 12 after the release of their fourth studio album, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. The duo was also joined by Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, Canaan Smith, and Hardy on the Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour. Many country fans gathered to listen to hit songs such as “Cruise” and “Simple.” Country fans of all ages gathered to enjoy the performance.
Photo/ RollingStone.com.
"My favorite part was spending time with my cousin and seeing our favorite artist. We have gone together every single time, and it is something that is always just about the two of us,” senior Angelina Zagami said. “They are my favorite, and hopefully I can sit front row one day.”
Luke Bryan
During the summer, Gillette Stadium hosts many country concerts, including Luke Bryan on his Sunset Repeat Tour. On June 21, Bryan performed many of his top hits, including “Play It Again,” and a recently released song, “Knockin’ Boots.” Other acts during the night consisted of Brett Young, Cole Swindell, Jon Langston, and DJ Rock. Also, former Patriot Rob Gronkowski made an appearance alongside Bryan during the concert.
Photo/ Gillette Stadium via Instagram.
“My favorite part about the concert was that other artists performed in addition to Luke Bryan, so I got to see multiple of my favorite country artists,” senior Elisabeth Roche said. “He was a great performer, so if he were to come again with other country artists, I would definitely go.”
Ariana Grande
On June 22, Ariana Grande performed at TD Garden as part of the Sweetener World Tour. Grande recently released two albums: Sweetener in 2018, and thank u, next in 2019. Grande has been very successful with a variety of singles in the top charts, including “7 rings,” “thank u, next,” and “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored.”
Photo/ Elle.com.
“When I saw Ariana Grande, I loved the community of fans that also attended. It’s a really cool experience to be listening to songs that I love and hearing practically everyone around me singing and dancing along as well,” senior Emily Duseau said. “It was also really cool to have seen a person whose work I really respect and appreciate in real life; it feels like the artist is more real than they are on my phone screen.”
Here are some must-see concerts to attend this summer. The Xfinity Center and TD Garden are showcasing a variety of artists, including classic rock bands and rising pop artists.
Queen and Adam Lambert
On August 4, the band Queen and American Idol star Adam Lambert will perform at the Xfinity Center. The singers will embark on the Rhapsody Tour, following the release of the film Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018. The film followed the life of the band and late lead singer Freddie Mercury. Classic rock hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” will be performed.
Photo/ BroadcastingCable.com.
“Queen has always been one of my favorite bands and holds a special place in my heart, so when they said that they’re coming back on tour, I got really excited,” senior Victoria Kelly said. “Even though Freddie Mercury isn’t there, I think that Adam Lambert serves him justice.”
Khalid
Khalid will perform on August 10 at TD Garden. After releasing his second studio album, Free Spirit, Khalid embarked on the Free Spirit World Tour. In 2018, Khalid released the EP Suncity. Currently, Khalid has many popular songs, including “Talk,” and he is featured on Ed Sheeran’s new song, “Beautiful People.”
Photo/ Khalid via Twitter.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Khalid,” senior Erin Sundstrom said. “I’m also really excited because I’ve never been to TD Garden for a concert before.”
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes The Tour will come to TD Garden on August 15 and 16. After releasing his self-titled third studio album, Mendes will perform many of his newer songs including “In My Blood,” “Lost in Japan,” and “If I Can’t Have You.” Mendes recently released a new song, “Señorita,” with Camila Cabello, which continues to climb on the music charts.
Photo/ Billboard.com.
“I’m looking forward to hearing the album in person,” senior Grace Buckley said. “I love concerts because there is always so much great energy and an environment where everyone loves the same music as you. I’ve never seen him on his own tour, so I’m really excited to see him in concert!”
Jonas Brothers
After their six year hiatus, the Jonas Brothers will perform at TD Garden on August 17. Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw will also be a part of the show. After releasing both a new album and documentary, the Jonas Brothers have stayed at the top of the charts with their returning single, “Sucker.” The Jonas Brothers will also return to TD Garden on November 24 due to the extension of their Happiness Begins tour.
Photo/ AltitudeTickets.com.
“They’re very nostalgic for me,” senior Irene Cappuccino said. “ I remember watching them on Disney Channel and just falling in love with Nick Jonas. I was devastated when they split up, and I was obsessed the minute they got back together. They’re all so talented and it’s even better because they’re brothers.”